Hunkers

The Hunkers were a conservative faction of the New York Democratic Party that existed in the mid-19th century, rivalling the liberal Barnburners. The Hunkers' name means "stick in the mud" in Dutch slang, referencing their old-fashioned and unprogressive views. They supported the state banks, internal improvements, and minimizing the slavery issue. Following the 1848 presidential election, the Hunkers split over reconciliation with the Barnburners; the "Softs" (led by William L. Marcy) favored reconciliation, while the "Hards" (led by Daniel S. Dickinson) opposed it. The split led to tensions between the two factions and the defeat of Soft governor Horatio Seymour for re-election in 1854.